US President Donald Trump has criticised Pope Leo XIV after the global Catholic leader called for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts amid rising US–Iran tensions, marking a rare public clash between the White House and the Vatican.
Trump reportedly reacted angrily after the Pope urged global powers to avoid escalation and reiterated opposition to nuclear proliferation, including concerns over recent US–Israeli military actions against Iran. The President falsely suggested that the Pope was taking a pro–Iran position, according to statements referenced in international reports.
Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has consistently called for de-escalation and warned against widening conflict in the Middle East. The Vatican has not issued a direct response to Trump’s remarks.
The controversy comes at a time when global diplomatic pressure is increasing on Washington and Tehran to sustain a fragile ceasefire and return to negotiations.
Separately, foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to turn it into a lasting peace agreement.
In a joint statement, the 10-member bloc stressed the global importance of secure energy flows and uninterrupted maritime trade, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments.
The ministers called for “safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft,” in line with international maritime law, and urged both Washington and Tehran to resume negotiations aimed at ending hostilities permanently.
ASEAN also commended Pakistan and other mediating actors for facilitating diplomatic engagement, and highlighted the importance of maintaining regional stability and respecting international law.
The statement noted that Southeast Asia, despite having significant energy resources, remains heavily dependent on imported oil and gas, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have carried out fresh airstrikes, artillery fire, and white phosphorus shelling across southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media reports.
The National News Agency (NNA) reported multiple casualties across several towns, including Bazouriyeh, Nabatieh El Faouqa, Sir El Gharbiyeh, and Choukine. Additional strikes were reported in Bint Jbeil, as well as in Tyre district areas including Majdal Zoun and Bayt al-Sayyad.
Heavy artillery fire and phosphorus shells were also reported in multiple villages, while warplanes struck the town of Siddiqin. The situation remains highly volatile as cross-border violence continues to escalate in southern Lebanon.